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By Greg Williams
West Virginia Director of Scouting

 
Today we conclude our season preview content which has run over the past three weeks leading up to the start of the 2016 high school season. We complete the process by taking a look at the Class A teams that compete in Region I. 

PRESEASON Forecast

Wheeling Central and St. Marys appear to be the favorites to advance to Charleston heading into the 2016 campaign. The Maroon Knights nearly topped Bishop Donahue in last year's regional final and have an ace in senior righty Matt Gruber, a West Liberty recruit. The Blue Devils find a way to be competitive every year. In 2015, a year removed from a trip to Charleston and a 31 win season, St. Marys reloaded to go 23-6.

preseason player of the year

Matt Gruber, RHP, Wheeling Central Cathoic (Class of 2016)
In a region devoid of a long list of college bound seniors Gruber stands out. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound right-handed pitcher is a bulldog on the mound. A center in football, Gruber transitions to the baseball diamond with the same physical mentality needed to survive Friday night battles in the trenches. The two-sport standout is a West Liberty baseball recruit and will front the pitching staff for Wheeling Central in their bid to win a region title this spring.

SEASON PREVIEW SCHEDULE

3/5   - Class AAA - Region IV
3/7   - Class AAA - Region III
3/9   - Class AAA - Region II
3/11 - Class AAA - Region I
3/13 - Class AA - Region IV
3/15 - Class AA - Region III
3/17 - Class AA - Region II
3/21 - Class AA - Region IV
3/23 - Class AA - Region III
3/25 - Class AA - Region II
3/27 - Class AA - Region I